Recipient of J.D. Whittaker to C.C. Long, 24th June, 1957 (DO 35/8639).
24 Jun 1957
Description:

'Dear Long,

We are worried by a report which has reached us about the alleged lack of proper facilities for humane treatment of monkeys in transit from India to the U.S.S.R. The report come from the French press which has commented adversely on arrangements at Berlin airport.

The export of monkeys from India to the U.S.S.R. and arrangements en route are, of course, in no way our concern, but we feel that if this report should reach India, the Government of India may well make all suffer for the sins of a few and once more ban the export of monkeys which we so badly need for our poliomyelitis programme. Is it possible for your staff in Delhi to be warned of this danger and, if necessary, to take steps to ensure that the export of monkeys to this country is not stopped?

We have, incidentally, had some difficulty recently in getting as many monkeys as we wanted, when we wanted them. Could you find out for us if the supply position has deteriorated?'